What Causes Runny, Watery Period Blood? When to See a Doctor

Why is My Period Blood So Runny?

Seeing runny, watery menstrual blood can sometimes be alarming. But there are a number of reasons why period blood may appear abnormal, and most are not cause for concern. Understanding what causes runny period blood can help you figure out if it's something that requires medical attention.

What is Normal Period Blood Consistency?

During the first few days of your period, blood flow can range from thick and jelly-like to a thin, liquid consistency. Here’s what’s considered normal:

• Days 1-2: Thicker, darker red blood containing more uterine tissue
• Days 3-5: Lighter red, more fluid blood
• Spotting at end: Pink or brown colored discharge

Seeing stringy clots or clumps is also within the range of normal. So a runny period by itself is not always problematic.

Causes of Runny, Watery Period Blood

There are several factors that could cause your menstrual blood to appear abnormally thin or watery:

• Heavy flow - Excessive flooding can dilute blood and make it seem more liquid.
• Post-ovulation surge - Estrogen rise after ovulation thins the uterine lining, increasing watery discharge.
• Birth control - Certain pills or IUDs impact hormone levels and cervical mucus.
• Perimenopause - Hormone changes lead to lighter, irregular periods.
• Pregnancy complications - Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy may cause unusual bleeding.
• Infections - STIs, vaginitis, or pelvic inflammatory disease could manifest through atypical discharge.
• Cervical or uterine polyps - Benign growths on the cervix or uterus may cause thin, watery blood flow.

If you’re on birth control or in perimenopause, runny periods could be normal. But significant changes in consistency definitely warrant mentioning to your gynecologist.

When to See a Doctor

While some causes of watery menstrual blood like heavy flows or perimenopause are not dangerous, others like infections require medical treatment. See your doctor if runny periods are accompanied by these symptoms:

• Fever, chills, nausea, vomiting
• Abnormal pain in the pelvis or abdomen
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Persistent heavy bleeding making you dizzy or faint
• Sudden onset after months of normal periods

Any of these alongside thin, runny period blood could indicate an underlying health issue needing evaluation. Schedule an appointment with your gynecologist to check for potential problems.

When to Seek Emergency Care

In rare cases, severely abnormal periods with thin, watery blood can signal a medical emergency. Seek emergency care immediately if you experience:

• Severe pelvic pain alongside heavy, runny bleeding
• Dizziness, confusion, rapid heart rate, fainting
• Soaking through a pad or tampon every hour
• Bright red bleeding with clots after a positive pregnancy test

These could indicate a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or another complication needing urgent treatment. Don’t hesitate to go to an emergency room or call 911 if your watery periods are accompanied by potentially dangerous symptoms.

Diagnosing the Cause

To determine the reason behind abnormal runny menstrual bleeding, your doctor may:

• Ask about your cycles, sexual activity, medications
• Perform a pelvic exam
• Test for STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea
• Do an ultrasound to look for uterine abnormalities
• Analyze hormone levels through bloodwork
• Examine the uterine lining via endometrial biopsy

Based on results, they can diagnose specific conditions like STI infections, endometrial polyps, hormone imbalances, or pregnancy complications. Treatment can then be tailored to address the underlying cause.

Treating Abnormal Runny Periods

Depending on the cause, watery periods may be treated by:

• Antibiotics - For STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea
• Hormonal birth control - To regulate cycles during perimenopause
• Medication - NSAIDs to reduce heavy bleeding; anti-nausea meds
• Removal of polyps - Via hysteroscopy
• D&C procedure - To clear uterine tissue if due to complications of pregnancy

For conditions like endometriosis or uterine fibroids, physicians may suggest medication or surgical options to curb excessive menstrual bleeding and pain.

Coping With Runny Periods

To manage abnormally thin, liquid period blood flow:

• Use a super absorbency tampon or menstrual cup to avoid leaks
• Change protection frequently to prevent embarrassing accidents
• Wear dark clothing or period-proof underwear during your period
• Carry extra sanitary pads or a change of clothes when out in public
• Get plenty of iron if you are losing significant blood
• Try over-the-counter tranexamic acid to help clotting

Tracking any symptoms in a period app can also help identify patterns and changes to discuss with your doctor.

When to Worry About Runny Periods

While runny menstrual blood alone is rarely an emergency, significant or sudden changes in flow type that impact your quality of life should be evaluated promptly. Don’t ignore accompanying symptoms like severe pain, fever, or dizziness as they may indicate a problem needing immediate care. With proper diagnosis, abnormal runny periods can be successfully treated or managed.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.